The U.S. Attorney's Office said Emory billed both Medicare and Medicaid for care and services that a clinical trial sponsor agreed to pay. The research was conducted at Emory's Winship Cancer Institute.

"Cancer research is paramount to saving and extending lives. However, strict rules govern the use of Georgia Medicaid dollars," Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens said in a statement. "My office takes seriously its obligation to ensure that these resources are used properly."

Emory's settlement also resolves a whistleblower's lawsuit against the university. The whistleblower will receive a share of the payment, the U.S. Attorney's Office said.